I just spent the last three weeks exploring Brazil. They will host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016 and the country is in the midst of a massive transition as it prepares for the millions of visitors it expects over the next five years.

We started our trip in the lively city of Rio and then headed north to Salvador, the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. After a week on the island of Boipeba, we finished our trip in Sao Paulo. It was an incredible experience on many levels--the people, culture, music, food and general way of life gave me perspective and left me enthused and inspired to explore more. I'm excited to share some of the highlights with you in the coming weeks.